An Nguyen Ruda Named Dual Finalist for Law.com's 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards

Bartko Pavia LLP is proud to announce that CEO and Co-Managing Partner An Nguyen Ruda has been named a finalist in two categories for Law.com Corporate Counsel's prestigious 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) Awards: Managing Partner of the Year and Mentor & Mentee Collaboration (with Luzann Fernandez, Strategic Counsel to Managing Partners).

The WIPL Awards honor in-house and law firm women leaders who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession, recognizing trailblazers, advocates, and leaders who have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and commitment to advancing equality and women empowerment in law.

Managing Partner of the Year recognizes law firm managing partners who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and a commitment to advancing women in the profession. An's recognition in this category acknowledges her transformative leadership. Under her strategic direction, the firm has championed a relationship-focused approach born from her understanding that legal services impact real people and businesses.

The Mentor & Mentee Collaboration category honors exceptional mentoring relationships that have driven meaningful career advancement and institutional impact. An’s recognition alongside Luzann Fernandez highlights their long-standing partnerships. An reflects, "Luzann didn't just guide my career, she shaped the leader I've become."

An's journey to national law firm leadership is itself extraordinary. She arrived in America as a refugee, settling with her family in East San Jose, where she worked daily on her family's food truck; waking before dawn to prepare meals, clean, and serve. Even during law school, she returned home regularly for long shifts at the family restaurant. These formative experiences became the foundation of her revolutionary approach to law firm leadership, one that prioritizes strategic thinking, relationship-building, and inclusive excellence.

Read our full press release here. 

About An Nguyen Ruda

An Nguyen Ruda is CEO and Co-Managing Partner of Bartko Pavia LLP, a national litigation boutique with offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City. Widely recognized as one of California's preeminent labor negotiators, she represents clients ranging from innovative startups to Fortune 500 companies across healthcare, entertainment, hospitality, and manufacturing. She has served as Chief Negotiator on numerous landmark collective bargaining agreements and as Special Labor Counsel in major distressed business scenarios, including renegotiating seven collective bargaining agreements in 70 days during one of the largest healthcare bankruptcies in U.S. history. An is a member of the Board of Trustees at Pitzer College and co-founded an investment fund supporting technology innovation from emerging entrepreneurs.

About Luzann Fernandez

Louise Ann “Luzann” Fernandez is Partner & Strategic Counsel to the Co-Managing Partners at Bartko Pavia LLP. With over 30 years of experience as a fierce litigator for corporations, hospitals, and celebrities, Luzann has built her career on tackling complex challenges head-on. She started at the National Labor Relations Board, founded and chaired a major L&E practice, and secured high-profile victories including a seven-figure settlement and public apology for an entertainment executive falsely accused of sexual assault. She provides the wisdom that comes from decades of building practices, navigating client relationships, and understanding that true success means lifting others as you rise.

About the WIPL Awards

The Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards, presented by Law.com Corporate Counsel, honor in-house and law firm women leaders and allies who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the empowerment of women in law. The awards recognize trailblazers, advocates, and leaders who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession through their exceptional work, leadership, and dedication to equality.